- The flag of the United State shall be 13 horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and the union of the flag shall be 50 stars, white in a blue field.
- The placement of words, drawings or other illustrations, including advertisement on the flag are prohibited. There is a $100 fine for conviction under this clause.
- Universal custom says the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, or 24 hours a day if properly illuminated.
- The Flag of the United States should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- It should not be allowed to touch the ground.
- When not flown, it should be specially folded to resemble the tri-corner hat of the Revolutionary War soldiers. To achieve that effect, fold the flag in the following manner: Fold the flag in half width-wise twice. If done by two, then the blue field should be facing the bottom on the first fold. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end... and repeat ... until only the end of the union is exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.
- Rules for the display of the flag may be found in the United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 1 and 2 and Executive Order 10834.
- The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, on Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The pledge should be recited with individuals standing at attention. Civilians will place their right hand over the heart. Military personnel and honorably discharged veterans may render the military hand salute.
- An explanation of the code and other facts related to the flag along with graphic depictions of folding and displaying the flag may be found on line at http://ushistory.org/flag.
- The flag should be displayed on all days, especially:
- New Year's Day, Jan. 1
- Inauguration Day, Jan 20
- Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, third Monday in January.
- Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12
- Washington's birthday, third Monday in February.
- Easter Sunday
- Mother's Day, second Sunday in May.
- Armed Forces Day, third Sunday in May.
- Memorial Day at half-staff until noon, the last Monday in May.
- Flag Day, June 14
- Father's Day, third Sunday in June.
- Independence Day, July 4
- Labor Day, first Monday in September.
- Constitution Day, Sept. 17
- Columbus Day, second Monday in October.
- Navy Day, Oct. 27
- Veterans Day, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November.
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25
- State birthdays and holidays.
Remember that this is our Flag and we should be proud of it and respect it.
Star-Spangled Banner- Its Meaning
